2016

Banjaras during the medieval period of Indian history were generally traders.

They were nomadic communities known for transporting goods like salt, grain, cattle, and other necessities across long distances using bullock caravans called tandas. They played a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce within the Indian subcontinent.

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Calcutta Unitarian Committee, jointly founded by William Adam and Rammohun Roy in September 1821, sought to bring together prominent Brahmins who were friends of Roy's and supporters of his agenda for the promotion of religious monotheism and social reform among Hindus.

Statement 2 is correct. On 24th January 1868, Keshab Chandra Sen laid the foundation stone of his mandir called the Tabernacle of New Dispensation. Keshab and his followers marched to the proposed spot early in the morning, performing Sankirtan, and this was the first Brahmo street procession, and it was the first of its kind in Calcutta.

Statement 3 is correct. Indian Reforms Association aligns better with Sen's social reform activities. He established this association upon returning from Europe in 1870 to advocate for social progress in areas like education, women's rights, and temperance.

Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan (National Campaign for Dignity and Eradication of Manual Scavenging) is a community-led national movement started in 2001 by the NGO Jan Sahas Social Development Society and other civil society organizations. Its primary objective is to eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and ensure the rehabilitation of manual scavengers through alternative livelihoods and social dignity. The campaign gained significant national attention through the 'Maila Mukti Yatra' (March for Liberation from Manual Scavenging), which mobilized thousands of women to leave the practice and demand their rights. While the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements government schemes like the 'Self Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers' (SRMS), the specific 'Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan' is a grassroots civil society initiative.

Statement 1 is Correct: Launched in 2011-12 as part of the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), the Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion (INSIMP) was designed to demonstrate improved production and post-harvest technologies, including value addition, using a cluster-based approach to enhance millet productivity.

Statement 2 is Correct: Millets are traditionally grown in rainfed and arid regions with poor soil quality. The primary cultivators in these regions are small, marginal, and tribal farmers who lack access to expensive irrigation; therefore, the scheme specifically targets these vulnerable groups as they have the largest stake in millet production.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: The scheme provides 'Minikits' and input kits (nutrients and plant protection) to farmers within identified millet clusters to improve existing yields. It does not include a mandate or specific incentives to encourage farmers of commercial crops to shift to millet cultivation.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is a free trade agreement that involves the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its FTA partners — Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea. It aims to create a comprehensive economic partnership covering trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, and e-commerce.

ASEAN was initially a 10-member bloc consisting of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. In 2025, Timor-Leste (East Timor) formally became the 11th member of ASEAN — marking its first expansion since Cambodia's inclusion in 1999.

In the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit (2025), both sides endorsed the ASEAN-India Plan of Action (2026–2030), focusing on areas such as maritime cooperation, digital innovation, education, and sustainable development. The year 2026 was declared the ASEAN-India Year of Maritime Cooperation.

Hence, the RCEP continues to be associated with ASEAN and its FTA partners, and the correct answer remains (b) ASEAN.

All three indicators (1, 2, and 3) are used by IFPRI (International Food Policy Research Institute) to compute the Global Hunger Index Report.

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger at global, regional, and national levels. It's a peer-reviewed annual report, now jointly published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe.

Purpose: To assess hunger severity and track progress towards ending hunger.

Each country's GHI score is calculated based on a formula that combines four indicators that together capture the multidimensional nature of hunger - Undernourishment - The share of the population whose caloric intake is insufficient; - Child Stunting - The share of children under the age of five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition; - Child Wasting - The share of children under the age of five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition; and - Child Mortality - The share of children who die before their fifth birthday, reflecting in part the fatal mix of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.


Hence, option C is the correct answer.

District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) were established in India under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Promoting mineral exploration activities in mineral-rich districts is not a stated objective of DMFs.

Statement 2 is Correct: The primary purpose of DMFs is to work for the welfare and benefit of areas and individuals affected by mining-related operations. This includes protecting the interests of the persons affected by mining operations.

Statement 3 is Incorrect: However, DMFs do not have the authority to issue licenses for mineral exploration, as this is the responsibility of the State Governments. Their focus is more on the welfare of the affected persons and areas.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Shale gas is a natural gas that is found trapped within shale formations.

- In India, shale gas resources are found in several regions. - The Cambay Basin, located in western India, is one of the oldest and most productive sedimentary basins in India and has been a major source of conventional oil and gas. - The Cauvery Basin and Krishna-Godavari Basin are also known to have shale gas resources.


Therefore, all three basins mentioned in the options are known to have shale gas resources. Hence, the correct answer is (d) 1, 2 and 3.

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol is a globally recognized framework for measuring, managing, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. It was developed through a collaboration between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to ensure a standardized and transparent approach to GHG accounting.

The protocol helps businesses, governments, and organizations track their emissions consistently, facilitating accurate comparisons across sectors and regions. By providing clear guidelines for carbon accounting, it plays a crucial role in climate action strategies, regulatory compliance, and corporate sustainability efforts worldwide.

Statement 1 is correct: The Third India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III) was hosted in New Delhi in October 2015. The first and second summits were held in 2008 (New Delhi) and 2011 (Addis Ababa), respectively, making the 2015 event the third edition. Statement 2 is incorrect: The India-Africa Forum Summit was institutionalized in 2008 to serve as the official platform for African-Indian relations. While Jawaharlal Nehru was a pioneer of Afro-Asian solidarity (e.g., the Asian Relations Conference of 1947), the IAFS is a distinct 21st-century initiative and was not established in 1951.

Statement 1 is Correct: Reducing revenue expenditure (spending that does not create assets or reduce liabilities, such as interest payments, salaries, and administrative costs) lowers the total government outgo, thereby reducing the budget deficit. Statement 2 is Incorrect: Introducing new welfare schemes increases government spending (typically revenue expenditure), which would widen the budget deficit rather than reduce it. Statement 3 is Correct: Rationalizing subsidies involves making them more targeted (e.g., through Direct Benefit Transfer) to eliminate leakages and reduce wasteful revenue expenditure, which helps in narrowing the deficit. Statement 4 is Incorrect: Reducing import duties decreases the government's tax revenue (receipts). A decrease in revenue, assuming expenditure remains constant, leads to an increase in the budget deficit.

Statement 1 is correct. National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) is the financing, planning, implementing, monitoring, and coordinating authority for the Ganges River, functioning under the Jal Shakti Ministry.

Statement 2 is correct. The mission of the organisation is to safeguard the drainage basin which feeds water into the Ganges by protecting it from pollution or overuse. In July 2014, the NGRBA has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to the Ministry of Jal Shakti.

Statement 3 is incorrect. The Prime Minister is the chair of the Authority. Other members include the cabinet ministers of ministries that include the Ganges among their direct concerns and the chief ministers of states through which the Ganges River flows.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: The OPCW is an independent intergovernmental organization, not affiliated with a specific region like the European Union. It cooperates with various organizations, including NATO and WHO, on matters related to chemical weapons, but it's not directly under their purview

Statement 2 is Correct: The OPCW plays a crucial role in monitoring the chemical industry to prevent the proliferation of chemical weapons. This includes inspections of declared chemical facilities and verification of disarmament efforts.

Statement 3 is Correct: The OPCW offers assistance and protection to member states (Parties) facing threats from chemical weapons. This can involve providing training, equipment, and expertise to help countries enhance their chemical security measures.

Hence, option B is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas primarily responsible for global warming, but it is not one of the eight pollutants considered in the calculation of India's National Air Quality Index (AQI).

Statement 2 is Correct: Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the eight pollutants monitored under the National AQI, as it is a toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion that affects oxygen transport in the blood.

Statement 3 is Correct: Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is included in the AQI calculation; it is a major air pollutant emitted from vehicle exhausts and industrial processes that causes respiratory issues.

Statement 4 is Correct: Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is a criteria pollutant for the AQI, primarily released from the burning of fossil fuels in power plants and industrial facilities.

Statement 5 is Incorrect: Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and a precursor to ground-level ozone, but it is not directly measured or included as a parameter in the National AQI calculation.

Note: The National Air Quality Index (AQI) in India considers eight pollutants: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).

Statement 1 is correct: Kharai camels can swim up to three kilometers in seawater. This rare trait allows them to reach offshore mangrove islands, where they forage for food.

Statement 2 is correct: Their name "Kharai" comes from the Gujarati word for "salty" because they primarily graze on saline plants and mangroves. This dietary adaptation allows them to thrive in the harsh coastal environment.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Kharai camels are herded by local communities (Maldhari) in the Kutch region of Gujarat. Their milk is consumed, and male calves are sometimes sold. Hence, the correct answer is option A.

Statement 1 is Incorrect: Green accounting involves incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the national and state budgets. This is a separate economic and statistical initiative and is not an objective of the Green India Mission.

Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Second Green Revolution (or Evergreen Revolution) focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity and food security through sustainable methods. The Green India Mission, however, is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) specifically focused on forestry.

Statement 3 is Correct: The primary aim of the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) is to protect, restore, and enhance India's forest cover and respond to climate change. Its goals include increasing forest/tree cover on 5 million hectares (mha) and improving the quality of forest cover on another 5 mha, thereby enhancing ecosystem services like carbon sequestration.

Import cover is a critical economic indicator that measures the number of months of imports a country can afford using its foreign exchange reserves. It is calculated using the formula: Import Cover = (Total Foreign Exchange Reserves) / (Average Monthly Imports). This metric assesses a country's external stability and its ability to withstand shocks to the balance of payments or sudden stops in foreign currency inflows. While other options describe the import-to-GDP ratio (Option A), total import volume (Option B), or trade balance/terms of trade (Option C), only Option D correctly identifies the relationship between reserves and import duration.

Statement 1 is Correct: Ceiling fans are covered under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Standards and Labeling (S&L) scheme. While they were under the voluntary labeling category for many years (including when this question was asked), they have since been moved to the mandatory category. Statement 2 is Correct: Electric geysers (specifically Storage Water Heaters) are part of the mandatory labeling program, which requires them to display star ratings based on their energy performance. Statement 3 is Correct: Tubular fluorescent lamps are also included in the mandatory labeling scheme to promote the use of energy-efficient lighting and reduce electricity consumption in households and offices.

Drip irrigation is an efficient water delivery system that applies water directly to the roots of plants through a network of tubes, emitters, and valves. It is widely used to conserve water, improve crop yields, and prevent soil degradation.


Statement 1 is correct: Drip irrigation delivers water precisely at the plant's root zone, reducing the moisture available on the soil surface. Since weeds typically thrive in moist topsoil, limiting water exposure to non-target areas helps suppress their growth. This makes weed control easier compared to traditional irrigation methods like flooding or sprinklers, which wet the entire field.

Statement 2 is incorrect: Soil salinity refers to the accumulation of salts in the soil, which can hinder plant growth. While drip irrigation helps manage water efficiently, it does not directly reduce salinity. However, it can be combined with strategic flushing techniques (applying extra water at intervals) to push salts below the root zone, preventing salt buildup in the upper soil layers.

Statement 3 is correct: Drip irrigation releases water slowly and in a controlled manner, reducing surface runoff that can lead to soil erosion. Unlike traditional flood irrigation, which can wash away the topsoil, drip irrigation preserves soil structure and fertility, making it a sustainable choice for agriculture. Hence, the correct answer is option C.

The terms mentioned above are all related to the Kyoto Protocol. Here's a brief explanation of each term

Annex-I Countries: These countries have pledged to reduce their emissions by being a part of the Kyoto Protocol.The Cartagena Protocol is a separate international treaty on biosafety.

Certified Emissions Reductions: These are a type of carbon credit that is granted by the Kyoto Protocol for achieving emission reductions through a clean development mechanism project. The Nagoya Protocol is another international treaty focusing on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization.

Clean Development Mechanism: It is a mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that allows developed countries to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries as a way to earn emission reduction credits.

The movie The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the life of the famous Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. It portrays his journey from India to England and his collaboration with the British mathematician G.H. Hardy.

The transcriptome refers to the complete set of RNA molecules present in a single cell or a population of cells at a given time. It can include all types of RNA or be limited to messenger RNA (mRNA), depending on the experiment's focus.


Unlike the exome, which represents only the protein-coding regions of DNA, the transcriptome captures the actively expressed genes by identifying RNA molecules and their relative abundance. This provides crucial insights into gene expression patterns, cellular functions, and responses to environmental changes.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 and is the sole legally binding international agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management.

Statement 1 is correct: The UNCCD aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive international partnerships. It provides a framework for countries to work together to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought.

Statement 2 is incorrect: The Convention has a particular focus on Africa, not South Asia and North Africa. In fact, its full name is the 'United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa'. Furthermore, the Secretariat does not facilitate the allocation of the 'major portion' of financial resources; financial mobilization is primarily handled through the Global Mechanism and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Statement 3 is correct: The UNCCD is unique among the Rio Conventions for its commitment to a bottom-up approach. It emphasizes the participation of local communities, land users, and non-governmental organizations in the design and implementation of programmes to combat land degradation.

INS Astradharini is India's first indigenously designed and built Torpedo Launch and Recovery Vessel (TLRV), commissioned into the Indian Navy in 2015. Developed with 95% indigenous content, it replaced the aging INS Astravahini. The vessel functions as a specialized platform for the technical trials of underwater weapons, such as torpedoes and mines, developed by the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL). Its unique design includes a catamaran hull configuration, which provides significantly improved stability and speed during weapon recovery operations.

Every package of food shall carry the following information on the label, namely, - The name of the food shall include trade name or description of food contained in the package.

- List of Ingredients except for single-ingredient foods, a list of ingredients shall be declared on the label.

- Nutritional Information or nutritional facts per 100 gm or 100ml or per serving of the product shall be given on the label.

- Vegetarian/non-vegetarian shall be mentioned.

- There is no provision for recommendations of any medical professional regarding allergies.

Therefore, 1,2, and 4 are correct statements.

Satyashodhak Samaj is a social reform society founded by Jyotirao Phule in Pune, India, on 24 September 1873. Its purpose was to liberate the less privileged in the then-prevailing society such as women, Shudra, and Dalit from exploitation and oppression.

Jyotirao's wife Savitribai was the head of the women's section of the society.

Through his writing and work, Jyotirao advocated against the caste system and the illogical and orthodox status of Brahmin.

Phule had also started a newspaper Deenbandhu which provided the voice for the views of the Samaj.

Jyotirao Phule's book Gulamgiri is dedicated to the pain, suffering and hardship faced by slaves.

The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, originally (and still colloquially) known as the Gulf Cooperation Council, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf except Iran.

Its member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.


The Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution.

Hence, option A is the correct answer.

Statement 1 is incorrect: AstroSat is India's first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory aimed at studying celestial sources in X-ray, optical and UV spectral bands simultaneously. India is the 5th country to join the space observatory elite list after the USA, Russia, Japan, and Europe.

Statement 2 is incorrect: AstroSat with a lift-off mass of about 1513 kg was launched into a 650 km orbit inclined at an angle of 6 degrees to the equator by PSLV-C30.

Therefore, option D is the correct answer.

China-Led Initiative BRI is a global development strategy spearheaded by the Chinese government.

It aims to create a network of trade routes connecting China with other countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa through investments in infrastructure development.


Hence, option D is the correct answer.

The Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) initiative was launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2002 to identify, safeguard, and promote traditional agricultural systems that have historical, cultural, environmental, and social significance. These systems demonstrate sustainable agricultural practices, rich biodiversity, and resilient rural livelihoods while maintaining a harmonious relationship with nature.

Statement 1 is incorrect: The GIAHS program is not primarily aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through modern methods. Instead, it focuses on preserving traditional farming practices, indigenous knowledge, and sustainable land-use systems that have evolved over centuries. While some modern improvements might be integrated to support local livelihoods, the core emphasis is conservation, not productivity enhancement.

Statement 2 is correct: The primary goal of GIAHS is to identify and protect unique agricultural systems that are vital for global biodiversity, cultural heritage, and food security. This includes preserving traditional landscapes, indigenous crops, and local community knowledge, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Statement 3 is incorrect: While some GIAHS products might qualify for Geographical Indication status, it's not an automatic benefit. GI status is granted based on specific criteria related to a product's origin, traditional production techniques, and unique qualities, which require a separate legal recognition process. Hence, the correct answer is option B. 2 only.